Breaking through
CFL: Polynesian duo of Keola Antonin and Lavasier Tuinei shined in their Lions’ debut.
Shark teeth in the Polynesian culture represent power, ferocity and adaptability, explains Keola Antolin, a native Hawaiian who plays running back for the B. C. Lions.
The Polynesian tattoos branded on his right arm extend from the wrist to the shoulder and spill over his chest, the design cresting with shark’s teeth, part of a tradition which is centuries old.
Tattoos are serious business in the South Pacific, the designs representing an individual’s social status, personal identity, island of origin or family history.
“This is my aumakua ( a good luck symbol in Hawaiian mythology), my protector,” Antolin explained while pointing to the shark teeth branding on his right chest. “Mine are Hawaiian. His ( Lions receiver Lavasier Tuinei has a similar- looking tattoo sleeve) are Samoan. Polynesians are everywhere in football. Doesn’t matter if you were born in the States, or how far apart you lived growing up — if you’re Polynesian, you’re Polynesian. Our heritage is so tight- knit. We make sure we know our heritage.”
Polynesians — whether from Hawaii, American Samoa or Tonga — tend to stick together. Thus, no man from the islands is an island unto himself.
When Tuinei, Samoan by heritage but a native Californian by birth, first joined Antolin on the Lions’ practice roster this summer, he instantly gravitated toward another member of The Tribe, even though Antolin’s formative years were spent in Las Vegas. Antolin moved with his family from the island of Oahu to the mainland when he was seven years old.
“He’s Hawaiian, I’m Samoan. Big difference,” Tuinei said. “But there’s a bond there: a brother bond, a relationship. It’s the Polynesian thing. I got along with him right away. But I get along with everybody here.”
When the Lions hung out a Playmakers Wanted sign before last Saturday’s game against the Ottawa Redblacks, the team’s Polynesian Pipeline responded.
In just his second Canadian Football League start, the nimblefooted, five- foot- seven Antolin ran for 157 yards on 17 carries ( a 9.2- yard average) and caught three passes for 45 yards, one of them a threeyard touchdown reception from Kevin Glenn for the Hawaiian’s first CFL score.
When go- to receiver Manny Arceneaux was held back because of an ankle injury, Tuinei seized his opportunity, too. He caught five passes for 56 yards, including a nine- yard touchdown from Glenn — his first in the CFL. The quarterback’s pass was tipped at the line of scrimmage — a classic wounded duck. No matter. Tuinei, a former Oregon Duck, adjusted to the awkward flight and made the grab.
“He stayed with it,” Glenn said. “That’s big- time, especially for a first- year guy.”
Tuinei also played a major role in two other touchdowns, when he twice drew interference penalties while sprinting to the end zone. The Lions scrimmaged from the one- yard line in both cases and easily scored in the comprehensive 41- 3 victory.
Tuinei’s performance came just days after his uncle, the late Mark Tuinei, an offensive lineman who helped the Dallas Cowboys win three Super Bowls, was named as part of the 2015 inductee class to the Polynesian Football Hall of Fame. Another uncle, Tom Tuinei, who played at the University of Hawaii, was drafted by the Detroit Lions and had a stint in the CFL with the Edmonton Eskimos.
As well, Van Tuinei, Lavasier’s father, played 45 games at defensive end in a career with the San Diego Chargers, Indianapolis Colts and Chicago Bears.
Every team in the Pac- 10 Conference has at least one or more Polynesians on its roster ( Oregon quarterback Marcus Mariota, born in Honolulu to parents of Samoan descent, is a leading Heisman Trophy candidate). And Polynesians, especially Samoans, are represented on National Football League rosters by a percentage of population exceeding any other racial group.
“Polynesians have heart,” said Lions linebacker Solomon Elimimian, who played college football for Hawaii’s Rainbow Warriors. “Keola and Lavasier remind me of the people I played with in Hawaii. They’re guys who have determination. They’re guys who don’t quit. Look at Chad Owens ( the Hawaiian receiver- returner with the Toronto Argonauts). The thing I love about Key ( Antolin) is that he waited a long time for his chance. And he responded when we needed it. He’s not the biggest guy, but he ran big.”
Following team meetings on Sunday, Antolin left town to rereconnect with his family in Las Vegas. Tuinei, meanwhile, was off to Eugene, Ore., to spend time with his girlfriend.
When the Lions re- convene for practice next Monday, following their second bye week in the CFL schedule, the Polynesian connection, having proven to be instant fits, will have no idea when they’ll play for B. C. again.
The starters they replaced — Arceneaux and running backreturner Stefan Logan ( thigh contusion) — are expected to be healed by then, ready to practise and available to play in the Oct. 25 game in Winnipeg.
“At least ( the coaching staff will) feel a little more comfortable with me next time, a trust,” Antolin said.
As a shadow warrior — a minimally paid practice roster player who lives in a world of constant uncertainty, waiting for a chance — his devotion to the game is tested every single week in every practice.
There’s no doubt about it. It takes heart.